Rains add a few more obstacles for Lake Pueblo boaters

Boaters in Lake Pueblo have found a more challenging environment in the past three weeks as more logs, sticks and other debris washed into the water.

A charred log sits among debris that has accumulated around Lake Pueblo on Monday, Aug 26, 2013 in Pueblo, Colo. following recent heavy rains that have brought down residue from the Royal Gorge fire by way of the Arkansas River. (Chris McLean, The Pueblo Chieftain)

“You had to really watch where you were going, because the water was filthy,” said one boater from Arvada, who was out on the water Saturday.

The increase in debris in the lake is a function of fluctuating water levels caused by heavy rains since Aug. 7, said Brad Henley, Lake Pueblo State Park administrator.

“We haven’t seen this type of activity since an intense and heavy rain in 1994,” Henley said. “It’s fairly typical of the August monsoons, but we just haven’t been seeing them since then.